Garden Pea 'Hurst Green Shaft'

Widely regarded as one of the best-tasting garden peas, 'Hurst Green Shaft' is a reliable mid-season variety that is a consistent favorite in the UK. It produces long, curved, dark green pods in pairs, each containing 9 to 11 sweet, tender peas. The plants reach a height of approximately 75-90cm and require support from pea netting or birch twigs (pea sticks). This variety is noted for its high yield and resistance to downy mildew and fusarium wilt, making it a robust choice for the home gardener. Sowing can begin in March and continue through to June for successive harvests. Peas prefer a cool, moist climate and fertile soil that hasn't been recently manured. 'Hurst Green Shaft' is excellent for eating fresh from the pod, or for freezing, as it retains its bright green color and sweetness well. Regular picking is essential to keep the plants productive and to ensure the peas do not become starchy.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, moisture-retentive loam.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.